Cash did not know what that was and was disinclined to ask. “Were you working here Wednesday or Thursday, June 4 or 5?” she asked.
The woman thought for a moment. “Yes, I was. Both days.”
“Did you happen to see four or more people, wearing camo, passing through town around that date? Perhaps with an unusual amount of equipment?”
Sassy cocked her head to one side to think. “I haven’t seen anyone new at all, except for you two, of course. What kinda equipment?”
“Something possibly in backpacks, duffel bags, boxes, carrying cases,” Colcord replied.
“Nothing like that. I’m sorry, Sheriff. I wish I could help you.” Her voice deepened as she leaned toward Colcord. “Say, it’s quitting time for me—you ever been to the Wet Whistle? They serve a killer margarita.”
Cash glanced over at Colcord with an amused look. She was gratified to see Colcord shifting uncomfortably and blushing furiously. He spoke faster. “Nothing out of the norm, then, at all this past week or so?”
“Well… there was one thing. I was taking an important business call out back. I saw something in the mountains.”
“Something in the mountains?”
“Lights up by Dome Peak. Probably someone’s campfire.”
“How long were the lights visible?”
“A while. Just some flickering. Off and on.”
“When was this exactly?”
“Right when my shift was over—ten o’clock.”
“And the date?”
She twisted her lips to one side in thought. “Maybe around that time you mentioned, first week in June. Don’t remember exactly.”
“Would you be willing to check your cell phone history and give us an exact time?”
“Sure thing.” She fiddled with her phone. “Okay, it was June 5, at ten thirty.”
“That’s helpful. Anything else?”
“Not that I recollect.”
“Okay, thanks for your help. Have a good evening.” He turned as Cash grabbed her phone and they walked toward the door.
“Oh, Sheriff?” Sassy called out.
Colcord paused in the doorway, not turning around.
“I’ll be at the Wet Whistle at eight—just sayin’.”
“Thank you,” said Colcord, hastening his pace.
Out on the wet street, walking back toward their vehicle, Cash imitated Sassy in an undertone, “Oh, Sherrrifff!”
“Please.”
“But Sherrrifff, you aren’t going towetyourwhistlewith me at the Whistle?”
“Can it, Cash.”
She gave a low laugh. “Lights up by Dome Peak? What do you think?”
